Dr. John Watson came to Jefferson county in 1821, "squatting" for the winter at
Mulberry Hill until next spring. John H. and Asa B. built a large crib on their
claim north of town (the old Watson place), and they moved to it. In this they
lived until the hickory log house was built.
They tended a crop near Union the first year, but had their own place ready for
business by the next season. The head of the family was a physician-the first to
locate in the county. His quinine cost him ten dollars and fifty cents an ounce,
and he sent east for an ounce of veratrum, and it cost him forty dollars, which
showed that there were "trusts" in those days as well as now, but they would not
trust the country doctor for medicines. The people in those days were quite
healthy and never thought of having the new-f angled diseases that prevail in
this enlightened age. The doctor found time to assess the entire county, and
still keep up his practice, for which service he received seventeen
dollars-about enough to buy an ounce of quinine. The dressed fawn-skin in which
he carried his Assessor's books is still in the Clerk's office. He left the farm
work entirely to the boys, while he attended to his professional and official
duties. The wife died March 3d, and the doctor died June 3, 1845, beloved and
respected by all who knew them.
Their children were: Virginia, who married John Summers, whose mill and home
east of town was always considered the most hospitable place in all the country;
John H., who married Betsy Rankin, and their children were: John R., who married
and died in Iowa; William D., who at an advanced age, resides in Colorado, and
has raised a large family; Thomas P.. who recently died without offspring; Milly F.,
beloved wife of the writer; Samuel H., long prominent in the politics of Jefferson
county, now residing in Los Angeles, California; Joel P., postmaster at Ashley;
Dr. J H., practicing physician at Woodlawn; Amelia, deceased, wife of B. S Miller,
and Nancy, who died in youth. Then came William B., who married the Leonard girl and
who resided in St. Louis. Then Asa B., who married Diana Ham, and their children
were: Andrew J., Thomas J., Mrs. Lydia Collins, Mrs. Carrie Pavey, Mrs. Lew
Tolle, Mrs. Hal Goodwin and Mrs. R. House. Then came Joel F., for many years
County Clerk, and who married Elder Taylor's daughter, and they were the parents
of Doctor Walter, Attorney Albert and Howard Watson. The latter lived in St.
Louis, and died but recently. Joel's second wife is still living-a noble,
Christian woman, who was Tom Pace's widow. The youngest was Harry M., who
married a Cummins, and left two daughters, both now living in the far
West.